AA to offer fleet telematics under Trakm8 partnership

The new solution is expected to be attractive to large fleet operators as well as SMEs running fleets of five or more vehicles, and allows individual vehicle data to be tracked, including fuel consumption, driver behaviour and routes taken.

The new service is also expected to provide opportunities for the AA to promote its other services for fleets, for example driver training, on the back of identifying which drivers would benefit from improvements in their driving style.

The latest deal builds on the two firms’ existing four-year partnership that has seen Trakm8 supply telematics systems to the AA for its roadside assistance and recovery vehicles, said to have brought “considerable operational and economic benefits to the business”, including savings of £1m a year in fuel costs.

John Watkins, executive chairman of Trakm8, commented: “This is a substantial contract and an extremely interesting opportunity for Trakm8. Working with the AA on this project, we will substantially increase our understanding of remote vehicle service potential for fleets.”

Kirsty Lloyd-Jukes, the AA’s strategy director, added: “We have worked with Trakm8 on our own vehicle fleet for some time and they have demonstrated great innovation and support for our business. This initiative for our fleet customers is an important part of the investment in connected car technology that we are developing. We are looking at a number of options that will add value to our proposition for the rest of our business customers and our personal members.”

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for 16 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. As Business Editor, Natalie ensures the group websites and newsletters are updated with the latest news.